Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize in awkward stand-off as snooker ref forced to step in | Other | Sport
Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize were involved in an awkward stand-off just moments before the start of the World Snooker Championship final. Murphy went into this year’s Crucible showdown with high hopes of winning a second title, over two decades on from his previous triumph. Wu, meanwhile, is bidding to become the second Chinese champion in as many years, following Zhao Xintong‘s victory last time around.
Before the start of the final on Saturday, the two players were introduced to the crowd by emcee Rob Walker and made their way to the table. They both appeared in good spirits and smiled for the camera as they posed with the silver trophy. A standoff then ensued before a ball had even been potted, with the coin toss causing some drama.
Neither player wanted to do the honours, making for an awkward moment as they each insisted that the other should do it. Wu was approached first and immediately gestured towards Murphy, who returned the favour after referee Rob Spencer stepped in and said: “Someone has got to.”
Eventually, the latter got his way as Wu declared heads and took the coin in his left hand before flipping it himself. He won the toss and elected to break off to start the opening frame.
Murphy may soon have been regretting his decision, though, with his younger opponent racing into a three-frame lead.
However, he quickly picked himself back up and won three of the next four frames to draw level at 4-4 after the opening session.
Television producers chose not to show the disturbance, with the BBC cameras staying firmly fixed on the table. The protester was swiftly apprehended by security staff and escorted out of the Crucible.
Shortly before that interruption, referee Spencer had urged the crowd to switch off their mobile phones to avoid being kicked out of the venue.
Everybody involved will be hoping for no more interruptions for the remainder of the match as Murphy and Wu continue to battle it out for the biggest prize in snooker.
